By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Champions League 2025/26: Predicted lineups for knockout phase play-offs

Get the predicted lineups for all eight upcoming Champions League knockout phase play-off fixtures, including Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta and Olympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen.
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Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Two German clubs – Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen – will be in action as the 2025/26 Champions League continues with the first leg of the knockout phase play-off ties this midweek.

Below, we’ve compiled predicted lineups for all eight upcoming fixtures in Europe’s premier club competition.

Champions League 2025/26 – Predicted knockout phase play-offs lineups

Tuesday, February 17

Galatasaray vs Juventus predicted lineups

Benfica vs Real Madrid predicted lineups

Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta predicted lineups

Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain predicted lineups

Wednesday, February 18

Qarabag vs Newcastle predicted lineups

Bodø/Glimt vs Inter predicted lineups

Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid predicted lineups

Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineups

Bundesliga news

Rumor Stuttgart & HoffenheimStuttgart make "lucrative" offer to out-of-contract Hoffenheim star
FC Bayern"He has to be capable of performing at a top level" – Bayern set demands for potential Neuer extension
Borussia DortmundNiko Kovac discusses options to replace injured centre-backs against Atalanta
Fantasy Football Dortmund & LeverkusenChampions League 2025/26: Predicted lineups for knockout phase play-offs
Borussia DortmundDortmund add young trio to Champions League squad after injury shock
Rumor 1. FC KölnBrighton pushing for clarity on future of Köln starlet Said El Mala
Rumor Byaer 04 LeverkusenEdmond Tapsoba’s summer valuation emerges amid exit speculation
Borussia Dortmund"The decision isn't mine alone" – Karim Adeyemi opens up on uncertain Dortmund future
Borussia DortmundDefensive duo ruled out of Borussia Dortmund's clash with Atalanta
Team of the week BundesligaBundesliga Team of the Week – Matchday 22
RB LeipzigRB Leipzig bosses rue penalty call, say referees keep calling to apologise
Eintracht FrankfurtEintracht Frankfurt give injury updates after Gladbach win
Borussia Dortmund Brazilian full-back travelling to Germany to complete Dortmund move

Table

Kickfieber

Match days

Team of the week BundesligaBundesliga Team of the Week – Matchday 22
RB LeipzigRB Leipzig bosses rue penalty call, say referees keep calling to apologise
Post-match reaction FC Augsburg Manuel Baum: “The three points are the priority”
Match report RB Leipzig & VfL Wolfsburg Late Gruda strike rescues a point for Leipzig against Wolfsburg
Match report FC Augsburg & 1. FC Heidenheim Late Claude-Maurice penalty breaks Heidenheim hearts
RB Leipzig & VfL Wolfsburg Confirmed lineups: RB Leipzig vs. Wolfsburg
FC Augsburg & 1. FC Heidenheim Confirmed lineups: Augsburg vs. Heidenheim
Post-match reaction Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia MönchengladbachEugen Polanski: “I’m extremely disappointed”
Post-match reaction HSV, Union BerlinPolzin shares his delight after HSV's special win
Post-match reaction TSG Hoffenheim, SC FreiburgIlzer highlights key in Hoffenheim’s win over Freiburg
Post-match reaction VfB Stuttgart Sebastian Hoeneß: “We got our reward”
Post-match reaction Eintracht FrankfurtAlbert Riera reflects on first win as Eintracht Frankfurt coach
FC BayernBayern boss gives update on Neuer after half-time substitution
Match report VfB Stuttgart, 1. FC KölnDemirović stars again as Stuttgart ease past Köln
Match report HSV, Union BerlinKönigsdörffer’s brace secures back-to-back HSV wins
VfB Stuttgart, 1. FC KölnConfirmed Lineups: VfB Stuttgart vs. 1. FC Köln
Match report TSG Hoffenheim, SC FreiburgHoffenheim beat Freiburg in clash of overachievers
Match report Werder Bremen & Bayern MunichKane brace leads Bayern past Werder Bremen
Match report Bayer Leverkusen & FC St. PauliLeverkusen run riot in four-goal rout of St. Pauli
Match report Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia MönchengladbachRiera ends Frankfurt’s winless run in home debut
Preview Augsburg & HeidenheimFC Augsburg vs. 1. FC Heidenheim preview: who can bounce back from last week's disappointment?
Werder Bremen & Bayern MunichConfirmed lineups: Werder Bremen vs. Bayern Munich
HSV, Union BerlinConfirmed Lineups: HSV vs. Union Berlin
TSG Hoffenheim, SC FreiburgConfirmed Lineups: TSG Hoffenheim vs. SC Freiburg
Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia MönchengladbachConfirmed Lineups: Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach

Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football Dortmund & LeverkusenChampions League 2025/26: Predicted lineups for knockout phase play-offs
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 22
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 22
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 21
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 21
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 20
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 20
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 20
Fantasy Football Champions LeagueChampions League Matchday 8 predicted lineups
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 19
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 19
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 19
Fantasy Football Champions LeagueChampions League 2025/26 predicted lineups: Projected starting XIs for Matchday 7
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 18
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 18
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 17
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 17
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 17
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 16
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 16
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 15
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 15
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Matchday 15
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 14
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 14

German Teams in Europe

Borussia DortmundNiko Kovac discusses options to replace injured centre-backs against Atalanta
Borussia DortmundDortmund add young trio to Champions League squad after injury shock
Borussia DortmundDefensive duo ruled out of Borussia Dortmund's clash with Atalanta
Preview Women's Champions LeagueUEFA Women's Champions League Preview: VfL Wolfsburg Frauen vs. Juventus Femminile
Köln50,000 fans for UEFA Youth League game as Köln break attendance record
VfB StuttgartEuropa League knockout phase play-off draw: Stuttgart's opponents revealed
Dortmund & LeverkusenChampions League knockout phase play-off draw: Dortmund and Leverkusen discover opponents
Post-match reaction SC FreiburgNoah Atubolu: “We can be proud”
Post-match reaction SC FreiburgJulian Schuster: "It's a great success for us”
Post-match reaction VfB StuttgartDemirovic carries "mixed feelings" after late Stuttgart win
Match report SC FreiburgFreiburg seal Europa League Round of 16 spot despite maiden defeat
Match report VfB StuttgartStuttgart condemned to play-offs despite home win
SC FreiburgConfirmed lineups: LOSC Lille vs. SC Freiburg
VfB StuttgartConfirmed lineups: VfB Stuttgart vs. Young Boys
Post-match reaction FC Bayern MunichKompany praises Bayern reaction, Urbig development and addresses Goretzka situation after PSV win
Post-match reaction FC Bayern Munich“My mom has already sent me thousands of WhatsApp messages” – Musiala shines on long-awaited starting eleven comeback
Post-match reaction FC Bayern MunichKane and Urbig hail Bayern mentality after late win in Eindhoven
Post-match reaction Borussia DortmundCan and Schlotterbeck reflect on "bitter" loss to Inter
Match report Borussia DortmundInter Milan strike late to defeat Dortmund
Match report Bayer LeverkusenTillman shines as Leverkusen secure Champions League play-offs spot
Match report FC BayernMusiala scores in first start of the season as Bayern power past PSV
Match report Eintracht FrankfurtKolo Muani strikes against former club as Spurs edge Eintracht Frankfurt
Borussia DortmundConfirmed lineups: Borussia Dortmund vs. Inter Milan
Eintracht FrankfurtConfirmed lineups: Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Tottenham
FC Bayern MunichConfirmed lineups: PSV vs. FC Bayern Munich

DFB-Pokal

Match report RB Leipzig"It's absolutely insane" – Ole Werner livid at refereeing call in Munich
Post-match reaction Bayern MunichKimmich content with "dominant" second-half in cup win over Leipzig
Match report Bayern Munich & RB LeipzigSecond-half blitz of Leipzig secures Pokal semi-final berth for Bayern
Bayern Munich & RB LeipzigConfirmed lineups: Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig
Match report SC Freiburg & Hertha BSCFlorian Müller the hero as Freiburg end Hertha's Pokal dreams on penalties
RB Leipzig“We’ve seen that they’re vulnerable" – Raum ahead of Pokal quarter-final
SC Freiburg & Hertha BSCConfirmed lineups: Hertha BSC vs. SC Freiburg
RB LeipzigHenrichs primed for Bayern test: "We have to be vigilant throughout the entire match"
Preview Bayern Munich & RB LeipzigBayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups
RB Leipzig“We have nothing to lose” – RB Leipzig coach Ole Werner ahead of Wednesday’s cup clash with Bayern
FC BayernKompany confirms Neuer start, provides squad update ahead of Leipzig clash
Preview SC Freiburg & Hertha BSCHertha BSC vs. SC Freiburg DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups
FC Bayern & RB LeipzigDFB-Pokal clash between Bayern and RB Leipzig set to go ahead despite transport strike
Post-match reaction VfB Stuttgart, Holstein KielMarcel Rapp: “We lacked counter-attacking opportunities”
Post-match reaction VfB Stuttgart, Holstein KielGoalscorers applaud Stuttgart’s fightback in cup win
Post-match reaction VfB Stuttgart, Holstein KielSebastian Hoeneß: “We deserved the victory”
Match report VfB Stuttgart, Holstein KielUndav sends Stuttgart into Pokal semis in Kiel
Holstein Kiel, VfB StuttgartConfirmed Lineups: Holstein Kiel vs. VfB Stuttgart
Preview DFB-PokalHolstein Kiel vs. Stuttgart DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Post-match reaction FC St. PauliBlessin reacts to quarter-final defeat: “It’s a shame because there was more in it for us today”
Post-match reaction Bayer LeverkusenAndrich: “St. Pauli didn’t have the quality today”
Match report Bayer Leverkusen & FC St. PauliLeverkusen cruise past St. Pauli to reach third-straight DFB-Pokal semi-finals
Bayer Leverkusen & FC St. PauliConfirmed DFB-Pokal quarter-final lineups: Bayer Leverkusen vs. St Pauli
Preview Bayer Leverkusen & FC St. Pauli Bayer Leverkusen vs. St. Pauli DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Union Berlin & FC Bayern Union Berlin 2–3 Bayern Munich – DFB-Pokal Highlights

German National Team

German national teamNagelsmann speaks out on Germany’s goalkeeper battle ahead of World Cup
Editor's pick FC AugsburgINTERVIEW: "At the moment, there's no thought of switching" – Noahkai Banks on choosing between the US and Germany
RB LeipzigBrajan Gruda targets German World Cup spot after Bundesliga return
VfB Stuttgart"If he keeps this up, you can't leave him out" – Hoeneß backs in-form Undav for World Cup call-up
German National TeamNagelsmann on "incredibly bitter" injury setback for Ter Stegen
German national teamMarc-André ter Stegen hit by new injury setback
Rumor German National TeamEl Mala's World Cup hopes dwindling after choppy run of form
German National TeamPaul Wanner denies Austria switch ahead of Champions League clash with Bayern
Rumor German national teamFormer Bayern prodigy Paul Wanner opts to represent Austria over Germany
Rumor German national teamTer Stegen could boost World Cup hopes with January transfer to Girona
1. FC KölnGermany and Köln legend believes Said El Mala could "become a truly special player"
Transfer GermanyFüllkrug completes AC Milan medical ahead of loan move
Germany & FC BayernKarl backed for Germany World Cup squad by his agent Michael Ballack
FC Bayern"Why should he need time?" – Franck Ribery on Lennart Karl's World Cup chances
German national team"Not a super easy group, but a manageable one" – Nagelsmann reflects on Germany's World Cup draw
GermanyWho are Germany’s World Cup 2026 opponents?
Germany2026 World Cup Draw: Germany grouped with Curaçao, Côte d'Ivoire and Ecuador
German national teamGermany to face United States ahead of 2026 World Cup
Match report Germany WUEFA Women's Nations League Final: Spain 3-0 Germany
Germany WConfirmed UEFA Women’s Nations League Final Lineups: Spain vs. Germany
Preview Germany WUEFA Women’s Nations League Final Preview: Spain vs. Germany
Match report Germany WUEFA Women's Nations League Final First-Leg: Germany 0-0 Spain
Germany WConfirmed UEFA Women's Nations League Lineups: Germany vs. Spain
Predicted lineups Germany WomenUEFA Women's Nations League final preview: Germany vs. Spain
FC BayernBayern boss backs Neuer return to German national team for World Cup

Long reads

Editor's pick Fortuna DüsseldorfEXCLUSIVE: Fortuna Düsseldorf CEO Alexander Jobst speaks out on speculation over his future amid sporting struggles
Analysis/Commentary Bremen & FC BayernHow can Werder Bremen spring a surprise against Bayern Munich?
Editor's pick FC AugsburgINTERVIEW: "At the moment, there's no thought of switching" – Noahkai Banks on choosing between the US and Germany
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundOpinion: Nico Schlotterbeck’s title ambition exposes Dortmund’s problem
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: David Wagner outlines two key missions as RB Leipzig academy manager
Analysis/Commentary BremenSamuel Mbangula steps up for Werder Bremen
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: Jürgen Klopp explains what he really does as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer
Editor's pick RB Leipzig"Everybody said 'go, go, go!'" – Marcel Schäfer reveals how RB Leipzig won the race for Yan Diomande
Editor's pick RB LeipzigEXCLUSIVE: Conrad Harder opens up on competition at RB Leipzig, Bayern clash and World Cup ambitions
Analysis/Commentary BundesligaBundesliga team of the season so far
Editor's pick FC Bayern & RB LeipzigThe unique way FC Bayern and RB Leipzig are scouting the next big U.S. talent
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundTensions at Dortmund increase among players and leadership
Analysis/Commentary 1. FSV Mainz 05 Searching for stability: Mainz’s new chapter under Urs Fischer
Analysis/Commentary Bremen SteffenWerder Bremen: Horst Steffen needs to change
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundSerhou Guirassy’s uncertain future: Should Dortmund offload their star striker?
Analysis/Commentary FC AugsburgFC Augsburg: Awakening meets mounting pressure - Where things stand after 10 games
Analysis/Commentary FC BayernFC Bayern: The Unbeatables - Where things stand after 10 games
Analysis/Commentary 1.FC Köln1.FC Köln: Where things stand for Effzeh at the break
Analysis/Commentary 1. FSV Mainz 05 1. FSV Mainz 05: In dire need of a spark
Analysis/Commentary Werder BremenAre Werder Bremen doing well?
Analysis/Commentary Borussia MonchengladbachBorussia Mönchengladbach: Where things stand for the Foals at the break
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundBorussia Dortmund: Where things stand for BVB at the break
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundBorussia Dortmund player ratings vs FC Copenhagen
Analysis/Commentary BonifaceWhy Werder Bremen must give Victor Boniface a chance
Editor's pick FC BayernBayern's strategy to keep Harry Kane beyond the summer revealed

Exclusive interviews

Editor's pick Fortuna DüsseldorfEXCLUSIVE: Fortuna Düsseldorf CEO Alexander Jobst speaks out on speculation over his future amid sporting struggles
Editor's pick FC AugsburgINTERVIEW: "At the moment, there's no thought of switching" – Noahkai Banks on choosing between the US and Germany
Exclusive interview FC AugsburgINTERVIEW: USMNT and Augsburg defender Noahkai Banks names favorite club and childhood football idols
Exclusive interview Bundesliga"It's clear we need to change something" – How Jürgen Klopp recently hinted at plans for German U21 league
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: David Wagner outlines two key missions as RB Leipzig academy manager
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigMarcel Schäfer interview: How "god-given talent" Jürgen Klopp is helping RB Leipzig close deals for new players
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigDavid Raum on Rômulo vs. Šeško: How RB Leipzig’s new striker has changed their game
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: Jürgen Klopp explains what he really does as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: Jürgen Klopp discusses potential return to coaching amid Real Madrid links
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigRômulo laments Leipzig’s inefficiency in front of goal after Bayern defeat
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigGulacsi on Leipzig's 1-5 defeat to Bayern: "The game was a lot more equal than the result shows"
Editor's pick RB Leipzig"Everybody said 'go, go, go!'" – Marcel Schäfer reveals how RB Leipzig won the race for Yan Diomande
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigDavid Raum in "no hurry" to extend Leipzig contract, reveals thoughts of future MLS move
Editor's pick RB LeipzigEXCLUSIVE: Conrad Harder opens up on competition at RB Leipzig, Bayern clash and World Cup ambitions
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigOrban reflects on match-winning strike and Leipzig's performance in win over Freiburg
Editor's pick FC Bayern & RB LeipzigThe unique way FC Bayern and RB Leipzig are scouting the next big U.S. talent
Exclusive interview Borussia DortmundDortmund boss Kehl praises Jobe Bellingham for bouncing back after Bayern error
Exclusive interview Bayer 04 LeverkusenRolfes critical of Leverkusen’s first-half display in Copenhagen draw
Exclusive interview Bayer 04 LeverkusenTapsoba "happy" with one point in Copenhagen after early setback: “Everybody was sleeping”
Exclusive interview VfL WolfsburgEXCLUSIVE: Mads Roerslev opens up on injury struggles, Wolfsburg loan so far, future and more
Interview BundesligaEXCLUSIVE: Michael Owen talks Kane, Musiala, Sancho and looks back on famous hat-trick against Germany
Editor's pick Bundesliga & DFBEXCLUSIVE: Dietmar Hamann on the Bundesliga title fight, Der Klassiker and Nagelsmann's start as Germany coach
Editor's pick MainzEXCLUSIVE: Danny da Costa rules out future coaching job
Interview Bayer LeverkusenEXCLUSIVE: Edmond Tapsoba on England links, his role models and Leverkusen's struggles this season
Interview Bundesliga InterviewEXCLUSIVE: From infancy to Eisernen - An Interview with Union Berlin’s rising star Laurenz Dehl

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